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In Every Life: A Novel
What happens when a husband's dying wish is for his wife to find a new love... before he's even gone?
Harper is living a life she never expected. After a failed attempt at making it as an artist in New York while falling for and losing her first love, her dreams crumbled in the span of a week. A decade later, Harper is happily living a simpler life as an art teacher in Chattanooga with her beloved new husband, Ben.
When Ben is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their whole world shifts. Despite the bad news, Ben comes up with one final wish for his wife: he wants Harper to find a new partner before he dies. When the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben’s life, Harper comes face to face with Liam Hale, the man she fell madly in love with all those years ago and never saw again.
Suddenly, Harper is faced with all of those old what-ifs:
What if Harper had ended up with Liam instead of Ben?
What if she’d pursued life as an artist instead of teaching?
What if it had all turned out differently?
After making a wish, Harper wakes up to find herself in a parallel universe . . . where her what-ifs become a reality.
Is the grass really greener, or is she standing right where she should be—no matter the cost?
Harper is living a life she never expected. After a failed attempt at making it as an artist in New York while falling for and losing her first love, her dreams crumbled in the span of a week. A decade later, Harper is happily living a simpler life as an art teacher in Chattanooga with her beloved new husband, Ben.
When Ben is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their whole world shifts. Despite the bad news, Ben comes up with one final wish for his wife: he wants Harper to find a new partner before he dies. When the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben’s life, Harper comes face to face with Liam Hale, the man she fell madly in love with all those years ago and never saw again.
Suddenly, Harper is faced with all of those old what-ifs:
What if Harper had ended up with Liam instead of Ben?
What if she’d pursued life as an artist instead of teaching?
What if it had all turned out differently?
After making a wish, Harper wakes up to find herself in a parallel universe . . . where her what-ifs become a reality.
Is the grass really greener, or is she standing right where she should be—no matter the cost?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2024
61 people are currently reading
9793 people want to read
About the author
Rea Frey
15 books1,006 followersRea Frey is the #1 bestselling author of several suspense, thriller, and contemporary fiction novels.
Known as The Book Doula, Rea helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
Known as The Book Doula, Rea helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
July 21, 2024
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The thought of a current partner finding you a new partner doesn't sound romantic to me at all, it sounds controlling and manipulative. I know Ben was supposedly doing it from his heart but it seemed to me he was doing it for himself because he has to know Harper's okay before he dies. Like she can't be okay without a man in her life? And him wanting her to do her art was because HE wanted to see one of her shows before he goes. It just pissed me off to no end. Everything just sounded like manipulation disguised as love and for her benefit.
All the secrets Harper's been keeping drove me mad as well. She too was only thinking of herself by not revealing the truth about her and Leo. The whole plot just seemed to go round and round in circles and the repetitiveness of it all was boring. This was another almost DNF for me but it has such rave reviews I wanted to give it a chance. It was just too unbelievable where Ben's health worries were concerned. One minute he can't go in the sun because of his treatment and the next minute he is out feeling the sun on his face and doing hikes. He had stage four pancreatic cancer and is supposed to be in hospice.
It was so damn slow getting the plot to go forward, the characters were all one-dimensional and the ending was just too much for me to take. It was so implausible and outlandish that it made me want to barf. I can't believe all the five-star reviews for this one. This is my first and my last book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
The thought of a current partner finding you a new partner doesn't sound romantic to me at all, it sounds controlling and manipulative. I know Ben was supposedly doing it from his heart but it seemed to me he was doing it for himself because he has to know Harper's okay before he dies. Like she can't be okay without a man in her life? And him wanting her to do her art was because HE wanted to see one of her shows before he goes. It just pissed me off to no end. Everything just sounded like manipulation disguised as love and for her benefit.
All the secrets Harper's been keeping drove me mad as well. She too was only thinking of herself by not revealing the truth about her and Leo. The whole plot just seemed to go round and round in circles and the repetitiveness of it all was boring. This was another almost DNF for me but it has such rave reviews I wanted to give it a chance. It was just too unbelievable where Ben's health worries were concerned. One minute he can't go in the sun because of his treatment and the next minute he is out feeling the sun on his face and doing hikes. He had stage four pancreatic cancer and is supposed to be in hospice.
It was so damn slow getting the plot to go forward, the characters were all one-dimensional and the ending was just too much for me to take. It was so implausible and outlandish that it made me want to barf. I can't believe all the five-star reviews for this one. This is my first and my last book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
August 8, 2024
TW: CANCER
Prologue:
“I’m a Wife!!”
Chapter 1:
“I’m Going to be a Widow”
OH what a difference a year makes!
Ben and Harper Foster have that “Hallmark” kind of romance-SAPPY sweet. “Name three things” one might say to the other at any random time-and while staring deeply into their partner’s eyes. The other will respond with three things they are grateful for at the moment-even while facing terminal CANCER.
So, it’s no surprise when Ben decides that he wants Harper to find new love BEFORE he passes away-so he will know that she will be alright. He is that selfless. Also, no surprise-Harper balking at the idea! But, Ben keeps pushing and even arranges for a journalist to write a story about it.
IS IT KISMET?
The NY Times reporter who shows up to interview the couple is none other than Liam Hale-the only other guy that Harper has ever fallen for. It was. “Insta Love” ten years ago, when Harper went to Brooklyn, hoping to pursue her Art-long before she met Ben. But, they only spent one week together before she went home to Chicago.
The story alternates between chapters titled “What Is” and “What Was”.
The book takes a turn towards “ MAGICAL REALISM” when a struggling Harper is guided by a close friend who reads her Tarot Cards and encourages her to soul search and think about what it is that Harper REALLY wants most. If she is honest, can she really manifest what she desires by repeating her wishes three times during the FULL MOON?
Reminding me of Dorothy, in the “Wizard of Oz”, when she had to click together her Ruby slippers and chant “There’s no place like home” Harper is desperate enough to give it a try. She carefully words her wish and….No Spoilers here!
The first half of the book was a bit too SAPPY for my taste. I thought that Harper’s relationship with Liam, felt more authentic than her marriage to Ben. But, I enjoyed the second half despite its FAIRY TALE vibes.
This was a buddy read with DeAnn which offered much for discussion! I think BOOK CLUBS would also find it entertaining and fun to talk about as well.
3.75 ⭐️
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Harper Muse for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!
Prologue:
“I’m a Wife!!”
Chapter 1:
“I’m Going to be a Widow”
OH what a difference a year makes!
Ben and Harper Foster have that “Hallmark” kind of romance-SAPPY sweet. “Name three things” one might say to the other at any random time-and while staring deeply into their partner’s eyes. The other will respond with three things they are grateful for at the moment-even while facing terminal CANCER.
So, it’s no surprise when Ben decides that he wants Harper to find new love BEFORE he passes away-so he will know that she will be alright. He is that selfless. Also, no surprise-Harper balking at the idea! But, Ben keeps pushing and even arranges for a journalist to write a story about it.
IS IT KISMET?
The NY Times reporter who shows up to interview the couple is none other than Liam Hale-the only other guy that Harper has ever fallen for. It was. “Insta Love” ten years ago, when Harper went to Brooklyn, hoping to pursue her Art-long before she met Ben. But, they only spent one week together before she went home to Chicago.
The story alternates between chapters titled “What Is” and “What Was”.
The book takes a turn towards “ MAGICAL REALISM” when a struggling Harper is guided by a close friend who reads her Tarot Cards and encourages her to soul search and think about what it is that Harper REALLY wants most. If she is honest, can she really manifest what she desires by repeating her wishes three times during the FULL MOON?
Reminding me of Dorothy, in the “Wizard of Oz”, when she had to click together her Ruby slippers and chant “There’s no place like home” Harper is desperate enough to give it a try. She carefully words her wish and….No Spoilers here!
The first half of the book was a bit too SAPPY for my taste. I thought that Harper’s relationship with Liam, felt more authentic than her marriage to Ben. But, I enjoyed the second half despite its FAIRY TALE vibes.
This was a buddy read with DeAnn which offered much for discussion! I think BOOK CLUBS would also find it entertaining and fun to talk about as well.
3.75 ⭐️
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Harper Muse for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!
September 30, 2024
the setup…
Harper and Ben Foster thought they were just beginning the start of their happily ever after on their honeymoon when he suddenly became violently ill. They soon learn that he has stage four pancreatic cancer and though they valiantly fought to save his life, it’s now clear Ben is facing the end of that journey. But when the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature on his life, Harper comes face to face with with the only other man she’s loved, Liam Hale, the one she left in New York ten years ago. To make matters worse, Ben wants to help find her next partner in his final days.
the heart of the story…
Harper is currently an art teacher in Chattanooga but ten years ago, she set out to find success as an artist in New York. Her reasons for abandoning that dream are slowly revealed throughout the story, as well as what happened with Liam. The depth of her love for Ben, a successful composer, is never in question but clearly there was unfinished business in New York. The “what ifs” are tested when Harper finds herself in a parallel universe, contrasting her present life with what might have actually been.
the narration…
Jennifer Jill Araya was completely believable as the conflicted Harper, never giving away which direction she would choose. I also liked her storytelling as she made the unreal seem possible.
the bottom line…
I enjoyed the bit of magical realism, even with all the paradoxes that come with it. Though love triangles make my head and heart hurt, this isn’t that kind of story. It’s a mature and thoughtful examination of what one may want out of life, really, when given the opportunity to go back and change your choices. I fell a bit in love with this story, despite some of the weighty issues and complications.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own)
Harper and Ben Foster thought they were just beginning the start of their happily ever after on their honeymoon when he suddenly became violently ill. They soon learn that he has stage four pancreatic cancer and though they valiantly fought to save his life, it’s now clear Ben is facing the end of that journey. But when the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature on his life, Harper comes face to face with with the only other man she’s loved, Liam Hale, the one she left in New York ten years ago. To make matters worse, Ben wants to help find her next partner in his final days.
the heart of the story…
Harper is currently an art teacher in Chattanooga but ten years ago, she set out to find success as an artist in New York. Her reasons for abandoning that dream are slowly revealed throughout the story, as well as what happened with Liam. The depth of her love for Ben, a successful composer, is never in question but clearly there was unfinished business in New York. The “what ifs” are tested when Harper finds herself in a parallel universe, contrasting her present life with what might have actually been.
the narration…
Jennifer Jill Araya was completely believable as the conflicted Harper, never giving away which direction she would choose. I also liked her storytelling as she made the unreal seem possible.
the bottom line…
I enjoyed the bit of magical realism, even with all the paradoxes that come with it. Though love triangles make my head and heart hurt, this isn’t that kind of story. It’s a mature and thoughtful examination of what one may want out of life, really, when given the opportunity to go back and change your choices. I fell a bit in love with this story, despite some of the weighty issues and complications.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own)
August 12, 2024
'Do you think that maybe, when we dream, we're actually living out some alternate version of reality?'
Ben and Harper are on their honeymoon when they discover something is wrong with Ben. It is a shock to find out her husband, the super healthy, always positive, insanely active man has stage 4 cancer and no more options. As Harper struggles to deal with the 'now', Ben is already trying to plan for her future happiness - hoping to find her love and ignite her artistic passion - before he dies, 'I cannot leave this word without knowing you're ok'. However, when Harper's ex, Liam, arrives on their doorstep, to interview them for a feature in The Times, it really could be a case of, 'be careful what you wish for'.
'In Every Life' is a 'sliding doors' story, that is broken down into 'what is', 'what was' and 'what if' before ending with 'what is now'. Although I happily believe in magical realism and 'the universe', I felt the first half of the book spun in circles before finally moving on to the real 'magic' of what might've been and Harper's personal journey towards acceptance and peace with what is, 'Perhaps my dream life is not such a dream after all...and if I want it to be different, then I have to fight for what matters'.
Overall, there were definitely parts of 'In Every Life' that were romantic and thoughtful, for me though, it just wasn't a consistent story.
Ben and Harper are on their honeymoon when they discover something is wrong with Ben. It is a shock to find out her husband, the super healthy, always positive, insanely active man has stage 4 cancer and no more options. As Harper struggles to deal with the 'now', Ben is already trying to plan for her future happiness - hoping to find her love and ignite her artistic passion - before he dies, 'I cannot leave this word without knowing you're ok'. However, when Harper's ex, Liam, arrives on their doorstep, to interview them for a feature in The Times, it really could be a case of, 'be careful what you wish for'.
'In Every Life' is a 'sliding doors' story, that is broken down into 'what is', 'what was' and 'what if' before ending with 'what is now'. Although I happily believe in magical realism and 'the universe', I felt the first half of the book spun in circles before finally moving on to the real 'magic' of what might've been and Harper's personal journey towards acceptance and peace with what is, 'Perhaps my dream life is not such a dream after all...and if I want it to be different, then I have to fight for what matters'.
Overall, there were definitely parts of 'In Every Life' that were romantic and thoughtful, for me though, it just wasn't a consistent story.
August 3, 2024
4.5⭐️ Ben and Harper are devastated when a cancer diagnosis threatens their new marriage and the future they envisioned. To prevent Harper from spending a life alone, Ben decides to find her a new love, while he is still alive and able to do so.
As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I needed to get my hands on this book immediately, especially given that Frey’s last book continues to live rent free in my mind a year later. Her pitch perfect pacing and overall writing style, along with a dabble of magical realism, feels made for me.
This is a story of love and of coping with potential loss. It is a story of the deepest romance and a look at what makes a love story exactly that. At its core, it is a deeply emotional book, that at times will leave the reader feeling a whole gamut of emotions. And the concept of “what if” was woven in so masterfully, even those who don’t necessarily love magical realism, will enjoy it. This would make a great book club selection.
🎧 The audiobook, narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, is outstanding. It both amped up the emotional component and helped further my connections to each of these characters. I would suggest either doing an immersive read (both physical/ebook and audio) or reading this one solely with your ears.
Read if you like:
• women’s fiction
• magical realism
• love stories
• thought-provoking books
• emotional reads
Thank you Harper Muse for the gifted copies.
As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I needed to get my hands on this book immediately, especially given that Frey’s last book continues to live rent free in my mind a year later. Her pitch perfect pacing and overall writing style, along with a dabble of magical realism, feels made for me.
This is a story of love and of coping with potential loss. It is a story of the deepest romance and a look at what makes a love story exactly that. At its core, it is a deeply emotional book, that at times will leave the reader feeling a whole gamut of emotions. And the concept of “what if” was woven in so masterfully, even those who don’t necessarily love magical realism, will enjoy it. This would make a great book club selection.
🎧 The audiobook, narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, is outstanding. It both amped up the emotional component and helped further my connections to each of these characters. I would suggest either doing an immersive read (both physical/ebook and audio) or reading this one solely with your ears.
Read if you like:
• women’s fiction
• magical realism
• love stories
• thought-provoking books
• emotional reads
Thank you Harper Muse for the gifted copies.
March 18, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
what a beautiful, inspiring story. a story about love, about loss, about learning how to follow your dreams every moment of your life.
the execution is really well-done, and the book is infused with a variety of endearing characters. to be honest, I was prepared to not be swayed by Liam as a character and instead focus more on Harper’s husband, Ben. that went out the window when Liam first stepped onto the page, because of his compassion, kindness and invalueble insight. you can’t help but love him!
I think the most interesting part of this book is Harper’s journey and self-discovery. she learns how to come to terms with Ben’s diagnosis, with the decisions she’s made throughout her life and how they shaped her present. it’s a fascinating transition, made all the more compelling by the manifestation/spiritual elements scattered in the story.
the ending wraps everything up splendidly, and I was left with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. definitely recommend!
what a beautiful, inspiring story. a story about love, about loss, about learning how to follow your dreams every moment of your life.
the execution is really well-done, and the book is infused with a variety of endearing characters. to be honest, I was prepared to not be swayed by Liam as a character and instead focus more on Harper’s husband, Ben. that went out the window when Liam first stepped onto the page, because of his compassion, kindness and invalueble insight. you can’t help but love him!
I think the most interesting part of this book is Harper’s journey and self-discovery. she learns how to come to terms with Ben’s diagnosis, with the decisions she’s made throughout her life and how they shaped her present. it’s a fascinating transition, made all the more compelling by the manifestation/spiritual elements scattered in the story.
the ending wraps everything up splendidly, and I was left with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. definitely recommend!
August 28, 2024
This is exactly the type of magical realism I had been searching for.
Harper is newly married to Ben, however life throws her the biggest curveball when her husband is diagnosed with cancer. Now nearing the end she longs for a life that could never be. Enter Liam, a journalist doing a story about Ben, except Liam is no stranger, Harper and Liam have a secret history one clouded also in a life that could have been.
When an opportunity presents itself for a magic ritual that could give her the alternative life she craves, Harper finds herself in an alternative reality that is not what she imagined. Will Harper be happy in this new reality or will she long to go back to her old life where things were falling apart dramatically? Can Ben really recover or is his fate sealed and what aboit Liam, the spanner in the works, is he her happy ever after or a reminder of a path not taken.
An emotional read about the start reality of path taken and not taken, about life cut too short. This is a romance but not as you would expect it. An easy but difficult listen at times, this book will leave you guessing at how it's going to end...until the VERY end.
Many thanks to Harper Collins Focus for the audiocopy of this book provided via NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
Harper is newly married to Ben, however life throws her the biggest curveball when her husband is diagnosed with cancer. Now nearing the end she longs for a life that could never be. Enter Liam, a journalist doing a story about Ben, except Liam is no stranger, Harper and Liam have a secret history one clouded also in a life that could have been.
When an opportunity presents itself for a magic ritual that could give her the alternative life she craves, Harper finds herself in an alternative reality that is not what she imagined. Will Harper be happy in this new reality or will she long to go back to her old life where things were falling apart dramatically? Can Ben really recover or is his fate sealed and what aboit Liam, the spanner in the works, is he her happy ever after or a reminder of a path not taken.
An emotional read about the start reality of path taken and not taken, about life cut too short. This is a romance but not as you would expect it. An easy but difficult listen at times, this book will leave you guessing at how it's going to end...until the VERY end.
Many thanks to Harper Collins Focus for the audiocopy of this book provided via NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
September 23, 2024
In Every Life by Rea Frey was a very heartfelt and emotional book. It had many elements of magical realism sprinkled throughout its pages. Rea Frey did a good job developing complex characters in her newest book, In Every Life. This was my second book that I read by Rea Frey and it did not disappoint. Make sure you have tissues on hand when reading In Every Life. I kept the box close but thankfully they were not required for all parts of the book. The audiobook of In Every Life was very well done. It was narrated by Jennifer Jill Arraya. She did a good job distinguishing between the characters in her performance.
Imagine finding your soulmate, marrying him and looking forward to spending your entire life together in a loving relationship. That was precisely what happened to Ben and Harper Foster. They met, fell helplessly in love and knew immediately that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Their wedding was perfect and they chose to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon. Just days into the honeymoon, Ben complained, which he rarely if ever did, that he wasn’t feeling well. Harper knew that something was very wrong. Ben was never sick but Harper saw that he did not look well. When Harper and Ben went to see Ben’s doctor they learned that Ben had stage four pancreatic cancer. After Ben learned about his diagnosis, he created a list of things he wanted to accomplish before he died. The most important thing on his list was for Ben to find someone for Harper so she would not be alone after he dies. Harper wanted nothing to do with his plan. Ben was the only man she would ever love.
Years before Harper met Ben, she was pursuing a career as an artist in New York. Harper had recently graduated from college, when her college roommate got her an interview with one of the top gallery owners. Harper was challenged by the gallery owner to create a significant number of new pieces of art in a short period of time and then bring them back to her office for her to see. Just prior to her interview, Harper had met a very handsome and charismatic man named Liam. There was incredible chemistry between Harper and Liam. He wished her good luck right before Harper excused herself for her interview. After the interview, Harper found herself in an impossible predicament. She had no place to paint. She had none of her tools, brushes, paints or canvases with her. They were all at her parent’s house. She had no place to stay. To Harper’s surprise, Liam, of all people, presented Harper with a solution. He had an apartment with a separate art studio in Brooklyn. Liam was a journalist but enjoyed dabbling in the art of painting. Thus, the existence of an art studio. Harper accepted Liam’s offer. Over the course of that week, Harper and Liam fell head over heels in love with each other. Harper was beginning to visual a life with Liam but a few things happened and Harper not only abandoned Liam but also her hopes for a career as an artist. She simply vanished from Liam’s life.
A few months into Ben’s diagnosis, he decided to be interviewed by a journalist from the New York Times. Nothing could have surprised Harper more than when she opened her and Ben’s front door and found Liam waiting to enter her condo to interview Ben. How will Harper react to Liam’s presence? Was this part of her husband’s crazy plan to find her a replacement lover before he dies? Can Harper keep her history with a Liam a secret from Ben? Should she or should she tell Ben about that part of her life?
I really enjoyed listening to In Every Life by Rea Frey. There were two times in the book that Harper participated in a ritual during a full moon. The ritual brought Harper to an alternate reality where she experienced a life that may have occurred under different circumstances. Those parts were a little OTT but added another twist to the plot. Overall, I enjoyed listening to the audiobook In Every Life by Rea Frey and recommend it.
Thank you to HarperCollins Focus for allowing me to listen to the audiobook In Every Life by Rea Frey through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Imagine finding your soulmate, marrying him and looking forward to spending your entire life together in a loving relationship. That was precisely what happened to Ben and Harper Foster. They met, fell helplessly in love and knew immediately that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Their wedding was perfect and they chose to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon. Just days into the honeymoon, Ben complained, which he rarely if ever did, that he wasn’t feeling well. Harper knew that something was very wrong. Ben was never sick but Harper saw that he did not look well. When Harper and Ben went to see Ben’s doctor they learned that Ben had stage four pancreatic cancer. After Ben learned about his diagnosis, he created a list of things he wanted to accomplish before he died. The most important thing on his list was for Ben to find someone for Harper so she would not be alone after he dies. Harper wanted nothing to do with his plan. Ben was the only man she would ever love.
Years before Harper met Ben, she was pursuing a career as an artist in New York. Harper had recently graduated from college, when her college roommate got her an interview with one of the top gallery owners. Harper was challenged by the gallery owner to create a significant number of new pieces of art in a short period of time and then bring them back to her office for her to see. Just prior to her interview, Harper had met a very handsome and charismatic man named Liam. There was incredible chemistry between Harper and Liam. He wished her good luck right before Harper excused herself for her interview. After the interview, Harper found herself in an impossible predicament. She had no place to paint. She had none of her tools, brushes, paints or canvases with her. They were all at her parent’s house. She had no place to stay. To Harper’s surprise, Liam, of all people, presented Harper with a solution. He had an apartment with a separate art studio in Brooklyn. Liam was a journalist but enjoyed dabbling in the art of painting. Thus, the existence of an art studio. Harper accepted Liam’s offer. Over the course of that week, Harper and Liam fell head over heels in love with each other. Harper was beginning to visual a life with Liam but a few things happened and Harper not only abandoned Liam but also her hopes for a career as an artist. She simply vanished from Liam’s life.
A few months into Ben’s diagnosis, he decided to be interviewed by a journalist from the New York Times. Nothing could have surprised Harper more than when she opened her and Ben’s front door and found Liam waiting to enter her condo to interview Ben. How will Harper react to Liam’s presence? Was this part of her husband’s crazy plan to find her a replacement lover before he dies? Can Harper keep her history with a Liam a secret from Ben? Should she or should she tell Ben about that part of her life?
I really enjoyed listening to In Every Life by Rea Frey. There were two times in the book that Harper participated in a ritual during a full moon. The ritual brought Harper to an alternate reality where she experienced a life that may have occurred under different circumstances. Those parts were a little OTT but added another twist to the plot. Overall, I enjoyed listening to the audiobook In Every Life by Rea Frey and recommend it.
Thank you to HarperCollins Focus for allowing me to listen to the audiobook In Every Life by Rea Frey through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 10, 2025
𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡ — 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
(28/02/24)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧, 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝. 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐍𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.
Five hours after starting this book, here I am.
I'm having a hard time thinking about anything right now.
I was just looking for a book to read on Netgalley.
I didn't expect to find a favorite. Ironically, this favorite broke my heart.
This book broke me in such a beautiful way.
Ben and Harper have just gotten married when the bad news comes : Ben has cancer, stage 4, and he has little time to live.
Illness is a sensitive subject whether we are faced with it or not. And this book makes us feel it because the words that Rea Frey gave us are simply magnificent.
And that’s when I tell myself that pain has a certain beauty. A heartbreaking, striking beauty.
Ben loves Harper more than anything, but he wishes she could have someone else before he dies. He wishes her to fall in love with someone else before he dies.
And again, it hurts.
One of the reasons this hurts so much is because this situation can and probably has happened in real life. It’s a situation that’s entirely likely, that’s where the pain lies.
It hurts because it's easy to imagine being in Ben's place, wishing the love of our life to move on, to continue living.
Ben and Harper's relationship is beautiful. Their love is magnificent. I truly believe that this type of love exists and never dies.
Then fate invites itself. The journalist supposed to interview Ben about his life happens to be the man Harper loved intensely - for a week - more than ten years ago, when she still dreamed of making a living from her art.
From there, we alternate between present and past. The past which allows us to discover this love which only lasted a week.
Perhaps this is where my heart also alternated between “joy” and pain. The past allowed me to detach myself from the present, from the present of Ben and Harper.
But as soon as Liam and Harper's past ended, my heart had to face the inevitable.
The writing style is absolutely perfect. If that hadn't been the case, I wouldn't have loved this book the way I do.
This book is not all pain, far from it.
Like I said, pain has a kind of beauty. Just like the uncertain.
What if? What if Harper had never left Liam? What if she had succeeded in becoming the artist she wanted to be?
After all these questions, we find ourselves in a completely different reality. Harper never left New York, and she never left Liam. And it’s a whole other life that we discover.
I really loved this part. It was a breath of air before reality caught up with Harper, before it caught up with me.
I cried, I cry. And I think my heart will always sink when I think of this book. Because the inevitable has happened. But it arrived in a beautiful way.
"𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭." 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞. "𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠."
I didn't expect this ending. I didn't want to see this ending. But it came, it broke me and it made me smile. It was so beautiful.
"𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭."
This book is about love, illness, lack of time, second chances. But it also talks about finding yourself, giving yourself time to move forward.
Harper loves and always will love Ben.
Harper loves and always will love Liam.
But Harper loves and will always love herself as well.
I loved reading this book. I don't regret spending the whole night reading it. This is a book I won't forget and will buy as soon as it becomes available for purchase.
Thank you Rea Frey for this masterpiece, and thank you Netgalley.
I hope that through this review I have managed to convey everything I felt while reading this book. I hope you can see how much I love this book and that it will make you want to read it.
Here's some of my favorite quotes.
—
𝟕. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞.
𝟖. 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞.. 𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡.
"𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮."
"𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞," 𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬. "𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞." 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭.
"𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡, 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬, 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦."
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫,
𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮.
𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐦.
"𝐈𝐟 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥," 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐚𝐫. 𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞. "𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝." 𝐇𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞, 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞.
"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠"
"𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭, '𝐁𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫: 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞?"
"𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞"
"𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨?"
"𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫."
October 18, 2024
I’ll be honest. I almost DNF’d this book at 20% because I didn’t want to be the first to write a not 5 star review. I could tell just that soon that it wasn’t going to be what I was hoping based on the synopsis. I’ll try to avoid spoilers by saying this book was far too unbelievable and inconsistent.
Ben, the MMC with stage four cancer has to be the healthiest terminal cancer patient I’ve ever heard of. Unless it’s an [im]perfectly timed dramatic collapse, Ben is really out living his best life. One of the small things that drove me crazy was the mention of Ben’s allergy to the sun due to the weakened immune system and treatments and such. This was mentioned very early on in the story but he spends so much time outdoors after this I don’t understand why that line wasn’t erased. At one point he’s standing on a bridge and with the "sun shining on his face" and guess what? He was perfectly fine. He even attempts to climb a mountain.. with stage 4 cancer!
There were a lot of inconsistencies like this that kept pulling me from the story. I skimmed a lot in the middle because nothing happening was helping to move the plot. The ending was absolutely rushed with no explanation. I wish things were tied together a little more. I don’t feel like I got whatever the message the author was intending with this.
Ben, the MMC with stage four cancer has to be the healthiest terminal cancer patient I’ve ever heard of. Unless it’s an [im]perfectly timed dramatic collapse, Ben is really out living his best life. One of the small things that drove me crazy was the mention of Ben’s allergy to the sun due to the weakened immune system and treatments and such. This was mentioned very early on in the story but he spends so much time outdoors after this I don’t understand why that line wasn’t erased. At one point he’s standing on a bridge and with the "sun shining on his face" and guess what? He was perfectly fine. He even attempts to climb a mountain.. with stage 4 cancer!
There were a lot of inconsistencies like this that kept pulling me from the story. I skimmed a lot in the middle because nothing happening was helping to move the plot. The ending was absolutely rushed with no explanation. I wish things were tied together a little more. I don’t feel like I got whatever the message the author was intending with this.
July 26, 2024
I wish I had listened to my gut & not requested a book in the romance genre. I've read one other book by Rea Frey (Until I Find You) and I loved it. It was a suspenseful mystery with a wonderful main character. When I saw she had a new book, I jumped at the opportunity to request the ARC. Needless to say, I did not like this at all. If it had only been genre-related, I couldn't bring myself to leave a negative review, but I had other issues that made it an unenjoyable read for me.
I strongly disliked both Harper and Ben. The pushiness of Ben when it came to wanting Harper to find someone else was gross. Dude, she's going to be in mourning. Respect that. The whole "she needs a man to make sure she's okay" thing was vomit-inducing. I HATED it & I hated Ben for being THAT guy. Harper wasn't much better. My additional details, below, will contain very minor spoilers, so, before getting into that, here's a quick list of reasons I'm rating this low:
1. Hated the characters
2. It was so damn corny
3. The time hop element didn't seem to fit. It was odd & like the rest - corny.
The details below contain minor spoilers.
DO NOT KEEP READING IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS!
The "what was" chapters made my eyes nearly roll out of my head. Sooo, you know someone a week, are there for a huge career opportunity, then get insanely jealous and irrational over the guy, who you've known a week, being friends with an ex, and you leave, after one of those terrible, rom-com-style arguments (*acts irrationally dramatic over something small* - Wait! Don't go! *proceeds to leave dramatically*), basically saying, "fuck my career and entire reason for coming here!" I almost DNF'd at this point, because it just felt cheesy & unrealistic AF.
Speaking of cheesy & unrealistic AF - when the time hop parts started, I laughed. I couldn't take it seriously at all. I was dying to be finished with the book at that point. I really hate that hated this book. I'm not giving up on this author though. If anything, this just made me want to find another book of hers that I like as much as the first one I read. I'll be careful to pay close attention to the genre next time. Fingers crossed that my next Rea Frey read is a great one!
I strongly disliked both Harper and Ben. The pushiness of Ben when it came to wanting Harper to find someone else was gross. Dude, she's going to be in mourning. Respect that. The whole "she needs a man to make sure she's okay" thing was vomit-inducing. I HATED it & I hated Ben for being THAT guy. Harper wasn't much better. My additional details, below, will contain very minor spoilers, so, before getting into that, here's a quick list of reasons I'm rating this low:
1. Hated the characters
2. It was so damn corny
3. The time hop element didn't seem to fit. It was odd & like the rest - corny.
The details below contain minor spoilers.
DO NOT KEEP READING IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS!
The "what was" chapters made my eyes nearly roll out of my head. Sooo, you know someone a week, are there for a huge career opportunity, then get insanely jealous and irrational over the guy, who you've known a week, being friends with an ex, and you leave, after one of those terrible, rom-com-style arguments (*acts irrationally dramatic over something small* - Wait! Don't go! *proceeds to leave dramatically*), basically saying, "fuck my career and entire reason for coming here!" I almost DNF'd at this point, because it just felt cheesy & unrealistic AF.
Speaking of cheesy & unrealistic AF - when the time hop parts started, I laughed. I couldn't take it seriously at all. I was dying to be finished with the book at that point. I really hate that hated this book. I'm not giving up on this author though. If anything, this just made me want to find another book of hers that I like as much as the first one I read. I'll be careful to pay close attention to the genre next time. Fingers crossed that my next Rea Frey read is a great one!
March 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this novel about Ben and Harper as they navigate his cancer diagnosis and literally "wait" for him to die! But journalist (and old flame) Liam suddenly appears to do an article and Harper is thrown back into her unresolved feelings for this handsome man. As a high school art teacher, Harper has thrown herself into work and caring for her husband and is shocked and somewhat delighted to see Liam but also unsettled by the newest "condition" Ben has put on her. Told in a "then" and "now" format (and even a "what if" one), the novel documents this beautiful love story that still has me teary-eyed in its emotional impact.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 5, 2024
You found the love of your life, its fate! Your relationship moves quickly and you marry! Ben & Harper Foster are destined for bliss until they receive shocking news of Ben’s terminal cancer. Author Rea Frey takes us down the path of raw emotion, a love like no other and one special wish!
Absolved in the fiction of “In Every Life” is a dream, a glimpse , a look at a different life than the one Harper chose. Can you imagine? Haven’t you ever said “What if”? Harper did! She took the advice of a close friend and wished upon a magical realism where Ben is healthy and she has everything she ever wanted in her art career. You should be careful what you wish for!
“In Every Life”is so well written, something we are used to with Rea Frey! Written in parallel lines with Harper’s reality and her “glimpse” of “What if”.
This novel is fiction at its best but it’s also a reminder to love now, cherish now and live NOW!
Ben’s last wish is one we sometimes think about but only in a lighthearted manner, “ if something happens to me , I want you to find someone to love and have the life you’ve dreamed about! He meant it ! Harper, in complete shock is in no way agreeing to Ben’s plan!
A reporter hears of Ben’s wish and shows up on their doorstep in hopes of a storyline no one will ever forget. When Harper opens the door, her life flashes back 10 years, it’s Liam, the one who got away! Coincidence?
Highly recommend this read, full of love, loss and the possibility of a second chance. Hope gives Harper the peace she needs to hold on to HER dreams if dreams still exist.
Thank you @Harpermuse @netgalley @reafrey for this eARC in exchange for my honest review . Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Absolved in the fiction of “In Every Life” is a dream, a glimpse , a look at a different life than the one Harper chose. Can you imagine? Haven’t you ever said “What if”? Harper did! She took the advice of a close friend and wished upon a magical realism where Ben is healthy and she has everything she ever wanted in her art career. You should be careful what you wish for!
“In Every Life”is so well written, something we are used to with Rea Frey! Written in parallel lines with Harper’s reality and her “glimpse” of “What if”.
This novel is fiction at its best but it’s also a reminder to love now, cherish now and live NOW!
Ben’s last wish is one we sometimes think about but only in a lighthearted manner, “ if something happens to me , I want you to find someone to love and have the life you’ve dreamed about! He meant it ! Harper, in complete shock is in no way agreeing to Ben’s plan!
A reporter hears of Ben’s wish and shows up on their doorstep in hopes of a storyline no one will ever forget. When Harper opens the door, her life flashes back 10 years, it’s Liam, the one who got away! Coincidence?
Highly recommend this read, full of love, loss and the possibility of a second chance. Hope gives Harper the peace she needs to hold on to HER dreams if dreams still exist.
Thank you @Harpermuse @netgalley @reafrey for this eARC in exchange for my honest review . Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 1, 2024
Review coming soon.
August 11, 2024
I loved this book. I couldn’t imagine watching my husband die while running into the “one that got away” I found myself rooting for both relationships. The way the story played out was perfect. I may have even cried a little in the end.
July 8, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
In Every Life.
This isn't the first book I've read with a similar premise:
A sick spouse decides he or she wants the remaining spouse to find someone to be with or something in that vein.
But as I was reading, I realized the narrative wasn't what I expected.
First, the tropes bothered me; Ben and Harper and Liam are both hot, and so talented and successful in their chosen fields.
It's corny and unbelievable but this is a book.
Second, the reason behind Harper's time traveling was...hard to take seriously.
I'm a spiritual person and believe there are all forms of worship and rituals but this was a bit too woo-woo for me.
Third, I'm not sure what the point of the time-hopping was.
Was it so Harper learned a lesson? Was the tim- hopping supposed to teach her to be happy with what you have?
Or maybe there is no lesson.
I do understand Harper's reluctance to accept the reality of being an artist, at the hard work and perseverance that comes from achieving who you want to be.
Many times we're not ready to be who we want to be.
Acceptance (and sorrow and regret) comes from life experience and hardships and learning from our mistakes.
I didn't like or sympathize with anyone, especially not with Harper. I found her irritating and boring.
She wasn't compelling and lacked a strong personality.
I know I'm an outlier for not liking this book, maybe I'm too cynical, but the premise was too corny and hard to suspend disbelief for.
And I usually say the latter for ridiculous premises in thrillers.
This isn't the first book I've read with a similar premise:
A sick spouse decides he or she wants the remaining spouse to find someone to be with or something in that vein.
But as I was reading, I realized the narrative wasn't what I expected.
First, the tropes bothered me; Ben and Harper and Liam are both hot, and so talented and successful in their chosen fields.
It's corny and unbelievable but this is a book.
Second, the reason behind Harper's time traveling was...hard to take seriously.
I'm a spiritual person and believe there are all forms of worship and rituals but this was a bit too woo-woo for me.
Third, I'm not sure what the point of the time-hopping was.
Was it so Harper learned a lesson? Was the tim- hopping supposed to teach her to be happy with what you have?
Or maybe there is no lesson.
I do understand Harper's reluctance to accept the reality of being an artist, at the hard work and perseverance that comes from achieving who you want to be.
Many times we're not ready to be who we want to be.
Acceptance (and sorrow and regret) comes from life experience and hardships and learning from our mistakes.
I didn't like or sympathize with anyone, especially not with Harper. I found her irritating and boring.
She wasn't compelling and lacked a strong personality.
I know I'm an outlier for not liking this book, maybe I'm too cynical, but the premise was too corny and hard to suspend disbelief for.
And I usually say the latter for ridiculous premises in thrillers.
August 21, 2024
I was so emotional during and after reading it that my heart hurts a little every time i think of this story. I loved it from the begining to the end.
It's sad and heartbreaking but at the same time it give us hope.
If you're looking for a romance novel that will crack you, this is it!
It's sad and heartbreaking but at the same time it give us hope.
If you're looking for a romance novel that will crack you, this is it!
March 14, 2024
This book has it all!
It is heartwarming,yet sooo very heartbreaking that it will stir all your emotions.
Now add some time-hopping to keep one guessing and you have a touching, novel that I had to finish in a day..
Can you imagine being on your honeymoon and finding out your new husband is terminally ill?
When Harper asks Ben what is on his bucket list, he has a wish that she cannot imagine or believe.
The story continues as a bit of magic comes in to play.
There is love,acceptance, drama, tears and so much more that I truly enjoyed this story and as always Rea Frey has done it again!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Harper Muse for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.
Excellent!
It is heartwarming,yet sooo very heartbreaking that it will stir all your emotions.
Now add some time-hopping to keep one guessing and you have a touching, novel that I had to finish in a day..
Can you imagine being on your honeymoon and finding out your new husband is terminally ill?
When Harper asks Ben what is on his bucket list, he has a wish that she cannot imagine or believe.
The story continues as a bit of magic comes in to play.
There is love,acceptance, drama, tears and so much more that I truly enjoyed this story and as always Rea Frey has done it again!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Harper Muse for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.
Excellent!
April 18, 2024
did i cry? absolutely
magical realism and soulmates tropes meet modern day in this heartbreaking story about one girl and the two men that could've changed her life.
i enjoyed this book and sped through it quickly, however i just felt as if halfway through it was slightly dragging and overall it was just skimming the surface on an overarching theme of the novel. the story was very emotional and i would have loved for a theme to be explored more so it would be truly soul-crushing lol.
special thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review!
magical realism and soulmates tropes meet modern day in this heartbreaking story about one girl and the two men that could've changed her life.
i enjoyed this book and sped through it quickly, however i just felt as if halfway through it was slightly dragging and overall it was just skimming the surface on an overarching theme of the novel. the story was very emotional and i would have loved for a theme to be explored more so it would be truly soul-crushing lol.
special thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review!
August 7, 2024
In Every Life
by Rea Frey
Thank you so much @reafreyauthor for the gifted ARC.
About the book 👇🏽
What happens when a husband’s dying wish is for his wife to find a new love . . . before he’s even gone?
Harper is living a life she never expected. After a failed attempt at making it as an artist in New York while falling for and losing her first love, her dreams crumbled in the span of a week. A decade later, Harper is happily living a simpler life as an art teacher in Chattanooga with her beloved new husband, Ben.
When Ben is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their whole world shifts. Despite the bad news, Ben comes up with one final wish for his wife: he wants Harper to find a new partner before he dies. When the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben’s life, Harper comes face to face with Liam Hale, the man she fell madly in love with all those years ago and never saw again.
✨ My thoughts:
The way this wrecked me at 5am before I’ve had my coffee…. I was not prepared. Magical realism truly has my heart when it’s done right and Rea Frey did it right! This story pulled at every string my heart has to give and transported me straight into the shoes of Harper and I am unwell. Coincidentally my husband asked me the other day what I’d do if he died so… I’m a little extra sensitive now that’s he’s scratched the surface of that possibility. Although I’m aware that everyone dies in the end, I enjoy the comfort in la la land where I think everyone will live forever. This really is a beautiful story and without rain there is no growth but dammit did I cry… and I cried A LOT. In fact, thinking about this story now… I can feel the tears trying to escape. If I could, I’d give infinite stars but at the very least I’ll be getting my hands on a finished copy to cherish forever. In Every Life is out TODAY 8/6/24. Happy publication day to one of my favorites of 2024!
Happy reading 📖✨
by Rea Frey
Thank you so much @reafreyauthor for the gifted ARC.
About the book 👇🏽
What happens when a husband’s dying wish is for his wife to find a new love . . . before he’s even gone?
Harper is living a life she never expected. After a failed attempt at making it as an artist in New York while falling for and losing her first love, her dreams crumbled in the span of a week. A decade later, Harper is happily living a simpler life as an art teacher in Chattanooga with her beloved new husband, Ben.
When Ben is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their whole world shifts. Despite the bad news, Ben comes up with one final wish for his wife: he wants Harper to find a new partner before he dies. When the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben’s life, Harper comes face to face with Liam Hale, the man she fell madly in love with all those years ago and never saw again.
✨ My thoughts:
The way this wrecked me at 5am before I’ve had my coffee…. I was not prepared. Magical realism truly has my heart when it’s done right and Rea Frey did it right! This story pulled at every string my heart has to give and transported me straight into the shoes of Harper and I am unwell. Coincidentally my husband asked me the other day what I’d do if he died so… I’m a little extra sensitive now that’s he’s scratched the surface of that possibility. Although I’m aware that everyone dies in the end, I enjoy the comfort in la la land where I think everyone will live forever. This really is a beautiful story and without rain there is no growth but dammit did I cry… and I cried A LOT. In fact, thinking about this story now… I can feel the tears trying to escape. If I could, I’d give infinite stars but at the very least I’ll be getting my hands on a finished copy to cherish forever. In Every Life is out TODAY 8/6/24. Happy publication day to one of my favorites of 2024!
Happy reading 📖✨
August 2, 2024
3.5 stars.
This one had an interesting premise with its look at the path not taken - the “what ifs” in our lives. I liked the chemistry in the relationship between Harper and Ben - it was very poignant. However, I found it difficult to believe the “insta” love between Harper and Liam and that relationship was a key part of the story. I also thought that the character of Ben was much better developed than that of Liam.
I did like the look at parallel universes and the way the novel was structured around the themes of ‘what is”, “what was” “what if” and “what may be”. I thought the issues that the book raised around how one would survive the death of a partner, questioning one own’s purpose/identity, living with uncertainty, and dealing with a terminal illness, were all ones that I think almost any reader can relate to. The ending was emotional as was the epilogue.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and think readers who like emotional love stories would enjoy it as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This one had an interesting premise with its look at the path not taken - the “what ifs” in our lives. I liked the chemistry in the relationship between Harper and Ben - it was very poignant. However, I found it difficult to believe the “insta” love between Harper and Liam and that relationship was a key part of the story. I also thought that the character of Ben was much better developed than that of Liam.
I did like the look at parallel universes and the way the novel was structured around the themes of ‘what is”, “what was” “what if” and “what may be”. I thought the issues that the book raised around how one would survive the death of a partner, questioning one own’s purpose/identity, living with uncertainty, and dealing with a terminal illness, were all ones that I think almost any reader can relate to. The ending was emotional as was the epilogue.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and think readers who like emotional love stories would enjoy it as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 10, 2024
I’m a fan of the authors books and always appreciate the fresh and unique ideas she comes up with. Harper and Ben are newlyweds when he gets diagnosed with terminal cancer so lots of trigger warning from the start. Ben wants Harper to start finding a new partner before he dies so he knows that she will be happy upon his death. So some heavy stuff, not gonna lie it took me a little bit to get settled in because it was so sad but I did end up getting really invested in the story. There is some magical realism that brought some whimsy and light to the tragic story. At its core this is a highly emotional read that explores deep love and deep loss but in the end there is still hope. So many parts of this were beautiful and heartwarming but also heartbreaking, this gives you a lot to think about and would make for a great book club discussion.
August 21, 2024
Wow, all the emotions with this one. The author told a gripping story here and could just love how it pieces together. I love how hard she fought for Ben and how hard he fought for her. And Liam. It’s just a great way to sum up a lot of “what if” questions. The main character had so many choices to make and it ultimately lead to the same person but I’m very, very different ways. Fair warning, the end of this book nearly ripped my heart right out. I was so hopeful and refused to see what was in front of me. Beautiful, heart breaking, and yet so much love.
August 15, 2024
What’s the last book that you made you cry?
I’m blaming @reafreyauthor for the absolute emotional hangover I’m having since finishing the last chapter in her new release, In Every Life.
If you’re a fan of asking “what if” questions and the sliding door concept, you’ll love this book. Actually - even if you’re not a fan of that concept, this book will gut you in the best way possible. I absolutely loved this story. The character and love story development is perfection.
Harper, Ben and Liam’s story pulled me in right away and has a chokehold on me in the best way possible. If you love stories that make you reflect on what it means to love someone well, what life lessons you can learn during struggles and how to live with grief - definitely pick up this book.
I’m blaming @reafreyauthor for the absolute emotional hangover I’m having since finishing the last chapter in her new release, In Every Life.
If you’re a fan of asking “what if” questions and the sliding door concept, you’ll love this book. Actually - even if you’re not a fan of that concept, this book will gut you in the best way possible. I absolutely loved this story. The character and love story development is perfection.
Harper, Ben and Liam’s story pulled me in right away and has a chokehold on me in the best way possible. If you love stories that make you reflect on what it means to love someone well, what life lessons you can learn during struggles and how to live with grief - definitely pick up this book.
October 1, 2024
This is my 7th book by Rea Frey and another fantastic story it is! This was a very fast read despite it being 340 pages. I read it in 2 days!! Already looking forward to her next great book.
October 18, 2025
Genuine, good love story ❤️
August 19, 2024
IN EVERY LIFE
REA FREY
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this book so much and will get thinking about it for a long time!!
While on their honeymoon, Ben is not feeling well at all. Unfortunately, they find out that he has terminal cancer. His wife, Harper teaches art at a school and takes care of him when he begins to decline. He wants her to find a new partner before he is gone but Harper wants no part of this plan!! Some reporters find out about his plan and The NY Times sends a reporter to interview them. Harper opens the door and finds the man she walked away from ten years ago. Is this a sign??
Highly recommend this book that is available now.
REA FREY
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this book so much and will get thinking about it for a long time!!
While on their honeymoon, Ben is not feeling well at all. Unfortunately, they find out that he has terminal cancer. His wife, Harper teaches art at a school and takes care of him when he begins to decline. He wants her to find a new partner before he is gone but Harper wants no part of this plan!! Some reporters find out about his plan and The NY Times sends a reporter to interview them. Harper opens the door and finds the man she walked away from ten years ago. Is this a sign??
Highly recommend this book that is available now.
August 10, 2024
*Paperback
In a word….EXCEPTIONAL.
I needed to gather my thoughts and write my review after I got some sleep. Got some sleep came back to write more. Then I was like what more can I say without spoilers!?! I had tears welling in my eyes while reading this and I’m so not that person. Anyway, I got some sleep and here’s what I thought…
I think the characters were very relatable. I saw a lot of myself in Harper’s character.
The characters were well defined and likable. This isn’t one of those books where you need to dislike anyone. How rare is that!?!
The pacing of this one was perfect. Prose perfection.
I am not the type of person who reads a lot of magical realism because I legit just don’t like it. HOWEVER, for this book I apparently made an exception because this one was so good from start to finish and I just loved it so much.
There is a scene towards the end (with a box) that really surprised me. The final scene, while open ended, suited the storyline perfectly. Perfect way to conclude this tug of war of hearts.
I’ll admit, I’m one tough customer BUT this is one of my fav books of the year for sure. I highly recommend it and hope to read more of Rea’s work in the future.
In a word….EXCEPTIONAL.
I needed to gather my thoughts and write my review after I got some sleep. Got some sleep came back to write more. Then I was like what more can I say without spoilers!?! I had tears welling in my eyes while reading this and I’m so not that person. Anyway, I got some sleep and here’s what I thought…
I think the characters were very relatable. I saw a lot of myself in Harper’s character.
The characters were well defined and likable. This isn’t one of those books where you need to dislike anyone. How rare is that!?!
The pacing of this one was perfect. Prose perfection.
I am not the type of person who reads a lot of magical realism because I legit just don’t like it. HOWEVER, for this book I apparently made an exception because this one was so good from start to finish and I just loved it so much.
There is a scene towards the end (with a box) that really surprised me. The final scene, while open ended, suited the storyline perfectly. Perfect way to conclude this tug of war of hearts.
I’ll admit, I’m one tough customer BUT this is one of my fav books of the year for sure. I highly recommend it and hope to read more of Rea’s work in the future.
July 28, 2024
I'm a big fan of Rea Frey. I always enjoy her unique stories. This one has some magical realism, which was such an interesting aspect to ut. This book really pulled at my heartstrings. TW: Cancer diagnosis. Ben and Harper are so in love and newly married, when Ben receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. Ben tells Harper he wants her to find a new love before he passes away. He wants to make sure she'll be happy after he's gone. Harper isn't so sure about this idea. But when a journalist, Leo, hears about their story, and shows up at their house to do a feature about their story, he turns out to be a man from Harper's past. Harper is now faced with feelings and thoughts she wasn't expecting. What would life have been like if she had ended up with Leo? While also coming to terms with losing the love of her life.
This took me a little bit to get into, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. It's heartwarming, and I loved the magic that was added. That was really fun. I'd definitely recommend this one if you enjoy a romance with touches of magic.
Thank you to the author, Suzyapproved Book tours, and the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This took me a little bit to get into, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. It's heartwarming, and I loved the magic that was added. That was really fun. I'd definitely recommend this one if you enjoy a romance with touches of magic.
Thank you to the author, Suzyapproved Book tours, and the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 4, 2024
Thank you so much, NetGalley for the chance. Could not put this book down! I was immediately drawn into the creative storyline and the author’s smooth writing style.
Harper is such a strong yet vulnerable heroine. There are several creative twists that had my heart bending for both loves of Harper. One of the most tender love triangles I have ever read.
If the synopsis left you intrigued, just wait until you get into the novel. Unputdownable!!
Harper is such a strong yet vulnerable heroine. There are several creative twists that had my heart bending for both loves of Harper. One of the most tender love triangles I have ever read.
If the synopsis left you intrigued, just wait until you get into the novel. Unputdownable!!
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